A chilling wind whispers secrets through the ancient stones. We stand before Sarugatsuji the northeast corner of Kyoto Imperial Palace’s wall. This isn’t just any corner. It’s a place steeped in history and shrouded in mystery.
Sarugatsuji holds a unique place in Kyoto’s history. Ancient Chinese cosmology influenced the Imperial Court. The northeast direction was considered unlucky. It was seen as a gateway for evil spirits and bad fortune. To protect the palace this corner was built unconventionally. Its concave shape cleverly avoided a pointed vertex. This prevented the palace from technically having a northeast corner. It was a clever way to seal the so-called demon gate.
A monkey statue sits under the eaves. Why a monkey? Legend says the deity of Hiei Shrine appeared as a monkey. The monkey guards this crucial corner. It wards off misfortune.
But Sarugatsuji’s history isn’t just about superstition and protective measures. A dark event occurred here. On July 5 1863 high official Anegakogi Kintomo was murdered. This became known as the Sakuheimon incident. A sword was found but the true killer remains unknown. This dramatic event lives on in the 1969 film Hitokiri.
Imagine the scene. The moon casts long shadows. A hushed urgency fills the night. A life ends abruptly near this very spot. The mystery lingers a chilling reminder of the past.
Today Sarugatsuji stands as a testament to both architectural ingenuity and historical tragedy. This seemingly unassuming corner holds secrets. It whispers tales of superstition murder and the enduring power of place. It’s a silent sentinel. It keeps watch over the palace and its long history. The monkey statue remains. It stands guard a silent witness to centuries of stories. It’s a powerful image of protection and enduring mystery.